Ray Stubbs is on the spot

Ray Stubbs is the host of ESPN’s Premier League coverage after joining the broadcaster this year following 26 years with the BBC. A Tranmere fan, he was a player for the club before moving into radio and then television..

ESPN’s Ray StubbsRay, you’re in your first season at ESPN after 26 years with the BBC. How are you finding the change so far?

It was such a fantastic opportunity to present Premier League football that it was impossible to turn down. I agree, I had a great time at the BBC and made great friends there but the time had come for a new chapter to begin.

Among the studio guests for your Premier League coverage is Kevin Keegan. He’s a legend at Newcastle and Liverpool – what’s he like to work with?

From the outside you’re very aware of ‘Special K’s personality and reputation and I used to observe him, as a broadcaster, as a man who was very charismatic and who used to motivate players and an entire club; he seemed like a figure who led from the front. From working closely with him I realised I had underestimated him – when he walks into a room, it’s like a light switch is turned on.

You’ve got Manchester United v Everton on Saturday. Is it harsh to say this looks like a home banker?

Very harsh. Whenever you go to Old Trafford, Manchester United are the favourites but teams have had a good crack at them this season. Everton also have a good track record against bigger sides.

Everton put their recent bad run behind them with a win at West Ham last time out. Do you see them getting anything at Old Trafford?

I can see that they could potentially get something. They’ve started to get their established stars back and their squad develops year on year. It would be disrespectful to rule them out – they’re the most consistent team outside the so-called ‘big four’.

Can Everton get it together and finish in the top six again?

I think they will. It’ll be very congested – Man City have extra resources too – and Spurs and Villa are also threats.

United have chased down big leads before but Chelsea are already five points clear. They look strong, too. Is this one battle Fergie might lose?

Chelsea look very, very powerful and at the start of the season, people predicted that. But history proves there are so many twists and turns and there will be injuries. Five points is nothing.

Playing at Tranmere in the 70s initially got you into broadcasting, as you moved into the admin side and then on to radio after you stopped playing.

I was probably the worst full-back they’ve ever had on their books so let’s get that straight! I’m more a fan than a former player – my playing career really doesn’t merit a discussion.

But you must be saddened by their decline this season with them already six points away from safety in League One.

All the people who have been involved [as managers] recently I would call friends. I played alongside Ronnie Moore and he didn’t deserve to be sacked in June. I also have great respect for John Barnes, who was sacked last month. And [caretaker manager] Les Parry and I are good mates. I was at the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient on Tuesday to see Tranmere win 1-0. It wasn’t a great game but it was a great result.

And the obvious question: Can they stay up?

Absolutely, no doubt about that.

Ray Stubbs kicks off ESPN’s coverage of Man United v Everton live tomorrow from 5pm. For information on how to subscribe, call 0844 257 7442 or visit espn.co.uk